What is Type 1 Diabetes?

Type 1 diabetes (T1D) is an autoimmune condition in which a person's pancreas stops producing insulin, the hormone that controls blood sugar levels. T1D is often diagnosed in children and young adults. The exact cause of T1D is unknown, although it appears to be the result of genetics and environmental factors such as viruses and other infections.

There are two types of diabetes: type 1 and type 2. Type 2 diabetes accounts for 90 to 95 percent of all cases. With type 2 diabetes, the body does not produce enough insulin or cells do not respond properly to insulin. In both types of diabetes, the goal is to keep blood glucose levels under control by monitoring food intake and exercise, taking medications when necessary and making lifestyle changes if needed.

Diagnosis

Type 1 diabetes can be diagnosed at any age but is most common among children and adolescents. About 5 percent of childhood cases are diagnosed before age 10; most are diagnosed between 10 and 15 years old.

Section: How do you know if someone has type 1 diabetes?

An initial diagnosis of type 1 diabetes may come after a routine physical exam by a doctor or at an emergency room visit because of symptoms such as extreme thirst, frequent urination and fatigue (tiredness). There also may be additional signs such as blurred vision caused by high blood glucose levels or ketones (byproducts of fat metabolism) in the urine that can indicate high blood glucose levels in people who do not yet have symptoms of advanced illness from their disease

Who is Muhammad Ali 'The Diabetic Kid'?

Not to be mistaken with the most famous boxer of all time, Muhammad Ali has become well known in the boxing industry due to making history on 09/05/2018 by becoming the worlds 1st type 1 diabetic to become a professional boxer.

As a chemist, once we became aware of Muhammad Ali, we had to support him on his journey.

“Diabetes is a condition, not an illness; I’m just like any other ordinary person. Life is not about waiting for the storm to pass by but learning to weather the storm. One day I’d love to say I lived by diabetes”- Muhammad Ali

With a unblemished professional record, Muhammad Ali is currently 7-0. As he looks forward to his next fight (01/07/2022) at the Reebok stadium in bolton, united kingdom, Muhammad Ali visited us at thechemistlive to have his diabetes blood test done privately. He has mentioned previously the delays in trying to obtain his HbA1c blood results through the NHS (due to delays during the pandemic and stresses upon the NHS).

As the NHS struggles with the backlog of the pandemic, it is most important that patients who require blood tests for personal or professional reasons are not delayed.

TheChemistLive has private medical blood tests available 5 days a week, with results being obtained within 3-4 days, accompanied with a doctors report. These blood tests can be done through our Whitefield branch by our trained phlebotomists or alternatively a at home test kit can be purchased for postal within the United Kingdom.

Visit our booking platform to book in your blood test.

To continue following Muhammad Ali throughout his career please visit www.muhammadaliboxing.com.